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Temperature & Humidity vs. Paint

March 13, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Rain and wind are not the only environmental factors that affect ideal painting conditions. Homeowners, contractors and handymen must contend with different humidity and temperature levels, too, during exterior projects. Painting under the right conditions can make the difference between a job well done and a redo. Read on to learn about the ideal circumstances for painting to avoid any unwanted issues.

How Temperature Affects Drying

Why does temperature matter? When it comes to painting a house, temperature is a huge factor in the way a fresh coat of paint will dry. Drying paint in temperatures that are too low or high could result in cracking and peeling. For example, extremely low temperatures can prevent fresh coats of paint from correctly drying because moisture within the formulation can actually freeze solid before it dries completely. On the other end of the spectrum, extremely hot temperatures can evaporate the moisture from within the paint faster than normal. This can cause the top layer to skin over before the layers underneath dry, which can produce cracking, blisters and other imperfections.

There are some rules of thumb to follow when it comes to different types of paint. Temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended when using solvent or oil-based paints. Latex and acrylic paints dry much better in temperatures that exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures dip, dew can form on surfaces and cause the water in the paint to evaporate too slowly. Some paints are now formulated to dry at lower temperatures, such as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s vital to follow the instructions on paint containers, since each paint formula is designed to be used within specific temperature and humidity parameters.

How Humidity Affects Drying

When high-humidity conditions are combined with low temperatures, the protective qualities of paint may be compromised. Condensation can occur on the paint’s surface, which creates issues with the paint’s drying and adhesion. In some cases, high humidity can cause unsightly streaks or surfactant leaching, which is a brown or white discoloration on the top layer of the paint. Additionally, excess moisture in the air can be absorbed into wood surfaces and affect paint adhesion. This can result in bubbling or peeling paint.

Avoiding Problems

Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting any outdoor painting project. It’s also a good idea to monitor the temperature and humidity levels during painting projects. The best time to paint, depending on geography, would likely be early summer or fall. These seasons usually offer the best weather conditions, with minimal rain and fluctuations in temperature from day to night. This can ensure that the paint adheres smoothly and has a chance to dry and cure properly. Summer also tends to be the perfect time for painting since it is typically dry and warm. Aim to paint when you have a clear, low humidity day with the ideal temperatures falling around 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sticking to these guidelines can help you end up with a flawless finish. Before you get started on your next painting project, take a look at the accompanying infographic to review how temperature and humidity can affect a fresh coat of paint.

Temperature & Humidity vs Paint from Raider Painting

Tags: bathroom remodeling, contemporary, home decor, home design, home improvement, paint, repair

Why Round Glass Coffee Tables Suit Every Kind of Space

| Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Most of us prefer to pick a rectangular or a square table for any space. We don’t choose these shapes because we like them but because we grew up seeing square tables around us. It was a fashion to have square tables in previous times, and this clouds your choice while choosing the tables. Although we would prefer having a traditional table in our house because of our attachment to it, many other new trends could be followed. There are several shapes of tables that our modern and stylish. For coffee tables, people now usually choose a round table. Round glass coffee tables were a part of the old days, too, but they weren’t preferred extensively.

Choosing round coffee tables is one of the best options for a user. You must be wondering why is it the best option? There are ample reasons to choose a glass round coffee table for any space. We will be highlighting some of the major ones below:

1. Round Glass Coffee Tables Are Corner Friendly

These tables are very space friendly. It doesn’t occupy a lot of space in any room. It can be kept in any corner of the room and it would look like it was made for that corner. If kept in the middle even, it doesn’t seem like a giant table that has taken over the room. The size of a round glass coffee table allows you plenty of room for other things that can be accommodated in it.

2. Amplifies the Beauty and Appearance of the Room

Modern glass for table top has a touch of elegance, uber-fashion, and sophistication to it. All these amplify its beauty and appearance. Having a glass coffee table in your required space is one of the most suitable options. It not only looks beautiful, but it also compliments the exquisiteness of the room.

3. Round Coffee Tables Are Safer

Round coffee tables are free from hard edges. This might not seem like a benefit to most of us. However, imagine having a clumsy adult or a kid around who cannot prevent themselves from getting hurt. For such people having a round table that does not have edges are equal to a blessing. Many people injure themselves through square and rectangular tables, but there is a chance that they will be safe around the mentioned tables.

4. Best Suited for Chit-Chat

The design of modern glass coffee tables can be compact enough to occupy a small space. The size of it plays a part in enabling people to have better bonding and connection with each other. The affection grows stronger when people can feel the energy, vibe, emotions, and togetherness between each other. Square tables have people sitting across from each other. The gap is wide, and there is a sense of formality lingering around. This is not the case with round coffee tables. The augmented closeness, visibility, and hearing experience allow you to have a better dining and conversational experience.

5. Perfect for One-Dish Parties

The shrinking distance between people sitting on modern glass coffee tables makes it easier for them to share dishes. Unlike other tables’ shapes, round coffee tables do not make you stretch your hands and push up half away from your seat to receive a bowl from someone. This is the utmost benefit for those who love sharing a single dish between two or more people. The closeness makes it comfortable and cozy for people to have an intimate dining experience.

6. Gives Way to a Calm and Comfortable Environment

Since there are usually no empty seats around a round glass coffee table, the atmosphere will always be cozy and calm. The empty seats at larger other shaped tables give you a feeling of emptiness and isolation. Moreover, the round coffee tables keep people close to each other and let the emotions build and bloom.

7. Most Suitable for Playing Cards and Board Games

It is perfect for spending time with family. The shape of the round table makes everything accessible for everyone. It is especially most suitable for cards and board games. A round table can play a vital role in keeping your family close and together.

8. Versatility in Use and Diversity in Designs

Crafting a round coffee table with legs of different material and exquisite design makes it suitable for restaurants, coffee shops, homes, corporate offices, and state offices. You name the place, and these round tables can be placed there in all their grace. Round glass tables also make the perfect conference tables where everyone can easily communicate.

These glass round coffee tables accommodate the new style and choice of living for people. These tables always make space for themselves because of their accurate size and space-occupying capacity. They enable the area to look wider, bigger, and spacious. The size of the room does not matter because these tables will fit in anywhere without making the room look dull and congested. Therefore, the next time you are trying to choose a table, make sure you keep these benefits in mind before making the final decision.

Tags: contemporary, decor, design, glass, home improvement, tables

7 Warm and Wonderful Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

February 26, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Coziness is one of the main reasons why people love the winter season. Most places have that warm and fuzzy look with dimmed lights, where you can relax and spend time with your friends or family. Cozy places like this can make you unwind from work, inviting you in another world to feel warm and spoiled. Now, imagine that kind of feeling in your home! It’s like therapy! Your home should be the place where you feel the most relaxed and pampered.

7 Warm and Wonderful Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

The cold months of winter are here, and all you can think about while you’re at work is to come home to your cozy sanctuary. A long hot shower, a hot chocolate, and a good movie can make you release all that stress accumulated throughout the day. But, although nothing compares to the comfort of your own home, lately, you felt like there’s something about your it that needs improving. You either don’t like the elements of your home anymore, or you just feel the need to add something new, for your own pleasure. Cozy doesn’t have the same meaning for everyone, it depends on how you want to improve your home’s comfort. However, cozy induces feelings of warmth, relaxation, and comfort. Do you wonder what could bring more comfort to your home? Maybe reorganizing your space? Bringing some new decorations? There are tons of interesting ways you can make your home feel so cozy and welcoming. In this article, you’ll find 7 steps to make your home cozier.

Organize Your Home

Have you ever been invited to a place where you couldn’t feel relaxed and comfortable? Maybe it’s because it was filled with too much stuff. A home can’t be welcoming and comfortable if it’s filled with mess. When a place is visually full of clutter, it may disturb your focus. If you think about the hotel rooms, you’ll realize that there’s almost no decor. The purpose is to leave the space cleaner and choose just a few items and put aside the rest of it. Your home will look more open and comfortable. You can look through magazines and see the latest trends in home decoration.

Create a Space for Ultimate Coziness

Your entire home can be cozy, but not everyone can afford it. Some have kids or pets and it might be difficult to keep everything organized. So, design a corner in your home where you can display many candles, small fuzzy pillows, a blanket that can replace a rug, and many other seasonal decorations. Also, you can put a bench where you can relax or maybe you can use it as a table to place all your decorations. Ribbons are colorful, fun, and can be used for different things around your house. You can decorate your curtains by hanging a few ribbons on them, they’ll look more stylish and fun! There’s always a chance to find a discount ribbon in bulk if you do some research on the internet.

Throw Blankets All Over

Blankets are perfect for creating that cozy atmosphere, especially the soft ones made out of cashmere or cotton. Throw a few blankets around the house, so you can easily grab one if you ever feel cold. For maximum coziness, choose a chunky knit blanket and put it on your bed. Also, flannel sheets will give you that soft feeling to your skin and make your bed look much more comfortable. Now, imagine when you get into your bed, after a long working day. Mm, so cozy!

Bring the Elements of Nature in The Decor

For a minimalist look, get inspired by Japanese interiors. Many homes get that cozy look by bringing elements of nature in their décor. The mixture of plants, water, stone, creates a nice contrast and really makes the atmosphere look so calming and have that zen-vibe. If space allows you, get bigger plants, a fountain, and create a garden inside your home. It’ll look awesome and unique!

Introduce Art to Your Cozy Space

So many homes with no art hanging on their walls are simply missing the chance to bring some charisma into them. Art can bring so much coziness into a home but people rarely step out of their comfort zone. This is the element that’ll make your home feel welcoming and interesting. Art is a personal choice, so it should represent you and your lifestyle. Before you hang it on your wall, think about what inspires you the most, it’ll be easier and less scary to introduce it to your home.

The importance of Good Lightning

Do you know those cute cafés with dimmed lights and a warm, comfortable atmosphere? The right lighting can make you feel more relaxed and lift up your mood. It’s an essential ingredient to make your room cozier. If you tend to spend more on the furniture, consider that lightning can completely make the space look warmer. The goal is to create a comfortable, cozy place, and get rid of that boring feeling when entering the room. For extra ambiance, add a few scented candles. The delicious smell will freshen up the room in a moment. But don’t forget to turn them off while you are away.

Decorate with Books

Books can be a super cheap décor method for making your home cozier. You can purchase them from your local store, or just use the ones you already have at home. There are so many different ideas on how to decorate your home with old books that can add a vintage touch. Decorating with books can be fun but it also brings knowledge and life to your home. Transform your living room into a library by adding a wall of books. Guests will be impressed with your idea! Place books in different areas of your home, on the coffee table, for example, on the kitchen counter, or even in the bathroom. You can decorate the entire home with books, just pick the right colors that complement the rest of the house. However, the point is to make sure that these decorations ideas stand out visually.

Hopefully, these wonderful, warm tips will help you transform your home into a cozy place where you and your family can spend quality time together.

Tags: contemporary, decor, design, eco-friendly, home improvement, landscaping

How to Look After Your Concrete Driveway: 5 Top Tips

February 7, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY

As a homeowner, being proud of both the interior and exterior of your home is important. When guests pull up outside your property, the last thing you want is for them to get the wrong impression. If you have a concrete driveway, keeping it well maintained should be your top priority, so to make sure the surface looks its best and stands the test of time, here are five top tips you can use.

How to Look After Your Concrete Driveway

Regular Cleaning

To keep your concrete driveway gleaming, it’s important that you factor in time to clean it. If left untouched for a long time, concrete can begin to look really dirty, which can set a bad tone for those coming to visit your property. Giving your driveway the attention and care it needs is important, so using a pressure washer can be a great way to keep it clean.

Seal the Surface

No matter how great your driveway sealer is, it will ultimately wear out over time, regardless of how much money you shell out. The main purpose of a driveway sealer is to stop water from getting into the porous surface, as this can cause major damage. It can also help protect the driveway surface from UV light degradation and spillages, so make sure that you reseal the surface every 3-5 years.

Avoid Using Chemicals

When it comes to driveway maintenance, there are some harsh chemicals that are best to avoid, such as deicer. Deicers are known to eat into the surface which results in gradual deterioration. If your driveway becomes icy or slippery, it’s best to use sand which will provide traction. Sand can also be easily brushed to one side or swept away once the summer months draw in. If you have any grassy areas at the front of your property, chemical products will only cause damage in the long run.

Avoid Spillages

Another way to keep good care of your concrete driveway is by avoiding spills. Your car oil may be the root cause of a spillage or stain that can cause major damage to your driveway’s appearance. If you notice any spillage, make sure that it’s cleaned up quickly and appropriately by using a professional driveway cleaning solution.

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve lived in your property for many years and feel the damage done to your concrete driveway is irreversible, it may be time to hire a professional who can lay down a brand new one. Richfield Blacktop is a company you may want to consider using, as they specialize in concrete driveways, asphalt driveways, and commercial paving.

While concrete is known as the easiest surface to maintain when compared to other driveway types, that’s not to say there aren’t measures that can be taken to make sure it looks its best. If you have noticed any changes to your driveway, there are lots of tips that you can take on board, but you may also want to seek out a professional to help.

Tags: concrete tiles, contemporary, driveway, garage, home improvement, landscaping, patio, repair

Bathroom Renovation with Custom Shower Doors

January 29, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

There are plenty of reasons that could make you want to renovate your bathroom. Maybe you are moving into a new house and the bathroom isn’t up to par. Maybe you just want a change of scenario for your bathroom and want it to look more modernistic. Usually, the first and foremost step to changing the look and feel of your bathroom involves looking up custom shower doors online.

If you search for ‘custom shower doors near me’, you will find Fab Glass and Mirror as one of the top results which are also one of the best options. However, let’s focus on that later. Currently you must be wondering what exact kind of custom glass shower doors will be suitable for your bathroom. Should you look for custom frameless shower doors or semi-frameless one? You might also be wondering how much do custom glass shower doors cost. In general, shower doors do tend to cost a lot. However, it’s utility and long-time use easily makes up for the cost. Let’s focus on different types of custom made shower door ideas that will be perfectly suitable for your bathroom.

Frameless Shower Door

If you keep popularity in mind, frameless shower doors are in high demand among homeowners. To explain a frameless shower door, let’s just say it’s a kind of tempered glass door that’s on the sturdy side, with about ⅜ or ½ thickness properties. Unlike other shower doors, there is no need for a metal frame to surround the exterior of this one. As such, the bathroom enclosure looks clean and modern and the bathroom looks bigger. One of the reasons frameless shower doors have become popular is that they offer no obstruction to the beautiful stonework or other such artistic details that one’s bathroom has. However, you must keep in mind that the cost of a frameless shower door is usually double the cost of a framed door.

Semi-Frameless Shower Door

You can opt for a semi-frameless shower door if you want to maintain your budget. While it will have some of the characteristics of the frameless door, such as better visibility, the top edges of the door and some parts of the sides might be framed. Make sure the glass is ⅜ tempered and the hinges are permanently bonded. Do check that the handles are solid. Also, it is better if you choose the ones which are taller than the standard height, as it gives a sleek look.

Framed Shower Doors

Framed shower doors might be cheaper than their counterparts. However, if you are smart with your choices, they look and are just as good for your interior design. You can order custom made models that are sturdy yet have a chic feeling to it. This is mainly due to the aluminum framing, which if done right, makes the bathroom look classy. What’s more? This type of shower door looks just as good in a contemporary bathroom as it does in a traditional one.

Glass Tub Enclosures

Do shower curtains bore you now? Well, you can opt for a thicker ⅜ treated enclosure that makes the tub and the surrounding area of your bathroom look sleeker. It’s best to go frameless in this situation and you can even have a steel track bar at the top of the enclosure. The door glides back and forth over the stainless steel wheels, making it effortless for you to get inside and outside of the tub. Now that we have discussed different shower doors, did you know that you can choose different styles and mechanisms for opening your shower door?

Let’s take a look at some of them.

Sliding Doors for Small Space

The kind of door style you should have depended mainly on your bathroom. For your tub enclosure, sliding shower enclosures are the best choice. They are also quite the perfect fit for bathrooms that are too small where the walls are a bit too close. A sliding door will be able to show off the bathroom without having you accidentally collide with the glass shower door.

Pivoting Door for Traditional Setting

Pivoting doors are also known as swinging or hinge doors. They are like the day to day doors we have in our home, pivoting inward or outward depending on the mechanism you choose. They look best at home in a traditional setting, giving the bathroom a more sophisticated look.

In case of pivoting doors, you will have to ask the company you are ordering the glass shower door from to take a measurement of the bathroom and the surrounding area of the door and its frame. You should also make sure that you have enough space so that the door doesn’t collide with the bathroom fixtures after you install it.

Bi-Fold Shower Doors

In case you don’t want a sliding door, and your bathroom does not have enough space to fit in a pivoting door, you can look for bi-fold shower doors. You can choose one with a frameless design and install it over a tub or shower stall. Bi fold doors are nothing but glass shower doors with two doors instead of one. They divide the space that the pivoting shower door will take, into two halves. As space is divided, the length of each door is smaller, which takes up much less room when opening the door.

Partial Tub Enclosure

A partial tub enclosure is quite new in the glass shower door scene. This European style glass silhouette covers only half of the space of the bathtub that is protecting the area where the water will hit while saving up on precious space at the same time. There is also no need of a door for a design like this. Another thing you might have wondered while looking for a glass shower door is the type of finish that you should buy. In total, it can be broadly categorized into two. Let’s check them out.

Simply Use Clear Glass

Clear glass door finishes are glass shower doors with crystal clear and transparent glass that has an overall modernistic feel to it. However, the chances of scratches are greater with this one. As they are transparent, the dust and dirt collected over time are visible easily. If you want clear glass finish, be prepared to wash or at least wipe it daily.

Textured Glass

Tempered glass is different from clear glass in the sense that it is not as transparent and has a foggier or frosted texture. You won’t be able to look through the glass and see what’s happening on the other side easily. As such, it offers you more privacy if you aren’t comfortable with the idea of a lack of barrier, even if you live alone. The textured finish also makes the scratches less visible to the naked eye, so you can be a little more careless with cleaning. Now you have all the information you could possibly need to order your own custom glass shower door. The only thing you might be a bit hazy about would be the price of the door, but that’s something you are better off discussing with the company you are ordering from.

At Fab Glass and Mirror, custom shower doors are a part of the company’s specialty. Especially, if you are looking for frameless shower door, you will find yourself surrounded with a variety of options ranging from Neo Angle shower to corner showers. If you want more information, you can consult a shower door expert on the site who is always available for a live chat. Don’t hesitate to order from this wonderful company that has all your glass related needs taken care of.

Tags: bath, bathroom, bathroom remodeling, contemporary, enclosures, glass, home improvement, plumbing, shower

7 Factors to Consider When Hiring Professional Roofers

January 22, 2020 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Ever seen a house without a roof? Probably not. A roof is an integral part of a house, and without it, your house will be incomplete. The roof protects you and your family against harsh weather conditions. Thus the need to invest in quality and durable roofing systems.

But sometimes we fail to take measures to maintain its good condition. This can cause your roof to deteriorate and not reach its maximum lifespan.

Several factors can affect the lifespan of your roof and lack of maintenance is among them. If you’ve not been maintaining your roof, chances are you’re already having a roof problem and you need a roofing contractor.

Whether you want to install a new roof or want to repair your current one, you must ensure you hire the best roofing contractor.

But finding the right roofing contractor can sometimes be challenging. With the many roofing contractors available, choosing the best contractor can be a daunting task.

You’ll need to have the right information to be able to identify the best roofing contractor. In this post, we’ll highlight the key factors to consider when hiring roofers.

1. Pricing

Exceptional roofing services do not come cheap. If you’re looking to have your roof maintained, you need to prepare yourself financially. However, this does not mean that it will cost a fortune to repair your roof.

The truth is that there are a lot of roofing companies that charge competitively without compromising the quality. Besides, some roofing contractors offer free estimates which can help you in making the right decision. Thus it is advisable to look for roofing companies that are willing to provide free estimates.

The most important thing is to be fully aware of the hidden charges and unexplained fees.

2. Local Physical Office

A reputable roofing contractor should have a physical office. If your prospective roofing company does not have an office, you should be concerned.

Be sure to find out the physical address of your roofing contractor and inquire about their staff members. Ensure you can easily access your roofing contractor in case you need any help.

3. License and Insurance

A roofing contractor should have a license and insurance. With licensed roofing contractors, you’re assured of a perfect roofing job. Licensed roofing contractors have undergone formal training and multiple tests, and so they have in-depth knowledge about the roofing industry.

It is also important to hire contractors who have valid roofers insurance. It will not only protect roofers against workplace injuries but also protect you as a homeowner.If a person gets injured while repairing your roof, the roofing company will compensate them without you being financially or legally liable.

4. Consider Previous Work Samples

An excellent way to know what to expect from a roofing contractor is to look at their previous work samples and references. To get samples of their work, ask your contractor to provide pictures of their previous work. Also, be sure to look at their portfolios on their website.

Also, let the contractor provide a list of references from their previous clients. Then you can reach out to some of them and ask about their experience dealing with that contractor. Ask them whether they were satisfied with the contractor’s workmanship and how the roof is holding up now.

5. Client Reviews

As a homeowner, you can take advantage of the internet to carry out a background check on prospective roofing professionals. You simply type the roofing company’s name and search for online reviews. You’ll access numerous client reviews on local listings.

Websites such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages are some of the websites where you can check local roofing contractors and read honest reviews. Don’t just focus on positive reviews; consider the negative reviews as well.

6. Experience

You’d surely not want to hire an inexperienced roofing professional. Contractors take several years to gain experience in handling various roofing problems.

A roofing contractor that has worked in the industry for many years has undoubtedly performed maintenance on roofs they have previously installed. They are aware of the best practices and the tools to use.

An experienced roofing contractor can handle roofing problems caused by different weather conditions and do it without putting you or themselves at harm.

7. Roofing Warranty

Another critical thing to check is whether your roofing contractor offers a roofing warranty. A roof installation needs to be accompanied by two separate warranties: Manufacturer’s warranty and workmanship warranty.

Manufacturer’s warranty covers defects that result from roofing material itself, for instance, a roofing shingle. Workmanship warranty, on the other hand, covers installation mistakes.

Reputable contractors should be responsible for their work. The last thing homeowners would like is to pay for a mistake that is not their doing.

Tags: average cost, contemporary, energy efficiency, home improvement, insurance, license, roof replacement, roofing, roofing materials, warranty

5 Tips to Make a Bedroom Look More Expensive in 2020

January 2, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY

A lot of the times, it is difficult to emulate the picture-perfect bedroom looks you see on the covers of famous interior design magazines. However, with a little redecorating and a strong vision, a plain room can become a luxurious centerpiece of your house. It doesn’t mean that the furniture or accessories cost a lot of money. If you’re on a shoestring budget, check out 5 tricks below, that will make your bedroom design look like it has been decorated with impeccable taste.

Get Rid of Clutter

The first step to making your bedroom look lavish, is de-cluttering. A clean and dust-free environment will not only provide more storage space, but also give your room a major transformation. Removing excessive bedroom items such as unread books, stuffed animals or even ottomans, immediately make the room more spacious and livelier. When you take out all the unnecessary accessories and organize your drawers, a feeling of cleanliness will radiate from the room. It is a process, not a one-off project. You have to constantly vacuum, remove folded clothes from your bed and change sheets in order for the room to shine and look its best.

Style Key Areas

Styling your bedroom isn’t only a matter of style and preferences, but it is a skill. How to make a small number of items look expensive and modern? Another way of achieving an expensive bedroom look with a little money is by styling your nightstand or shelf. There is a difference between a stack of unread books that only collects dust and organizing the bookcase in a stylish way. By putting some bold-colored clocks, colorful vases or metallic trays on your nightstand or a bookcase, you can elevate the space and cut down on visual clutter.

Bedding Richness

For a completely polished look, add texture to the room with a perfect bedding. People tend to neglect the importance of a high-quality bedding and mattress. Adding a pop of color and texture to you bed, really makes a difference, all without making you break the bank. Foam beds provide the utmost comfort and their classy white color goes well with every color and shade you can think of, which makes it a perfect choice for your new bedroom look. Fold the edges of your sheets at the end, layer the pillows and daydream on your perfectly made bed.

Curtains All the Way

When you think of curtains, it might seem that they are too old-fashioned to be incorporated into a modern-looking bedroom. However, if you’re having privacy concerns and want to upgrade your bedroom space, monochromatic sheer white curtains will fit any bedroom like a glove. Classic curtains match your bedding perfectly and add a touch of elegance and luxury to the room. You can match the color of the rods with the aesthetics of the room, but classic white ones are the safest choice to open up the space.

Color Play

Some new colors for 2020 interior design trends are emerald green, terracotta or mustard yellow. Apart from adding greenery to your bedroom, opt for these colors for your accessory statement pieces, such as pillows, paintings or lamp-shades. With a white bedding and white drapes, these are the strong colors that will seamlessly tie into the bedroom decor.

The key is in making the furniture arrangement look expensive, even though it is essentially the same room, only with more style. “Less is more” approach will never go out of style for a bedroom transformation, so these five tips are the perfect simple ways to make your bedroom more appealing. What strategies have you employed so far? Tell us all about it in the comment section below.

Tags: Bedroom, contemporary, eco-friendly, home improvement, paint

Tips for Turning Your Basement Into A Living Space

December 3, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

When people think about the basement, they immediately imagine a scary place. Decorating the basement can be weird, but that doesn’t have to stop you from turning it into a home living space. Whatever you want and need, there are lots of choices of how to reconsider your basement’s improvement. Give it a chance and make it as stylish as your main-floor living room. With fresh paint, ambient lightning and finishing touches, you will transform it into a cozy space you will actually want to spend time in.

Basement Colors

Start by installing lights that will make the room feel bigger and make up for the lack of windows. Also, table lamps will add style to the room. A TV attached to the wall will create that home-theater effect for movie lovers.

Since many basements don’t have windows, curtains can be used to create a room divider. This is also a great idea for unfinished walls or just an idea for decorating the space. Most basements are dark spaces, so if you want to brighten yours, paint the walls white or very light shades. This will make the room look fresh and airy. To add more light and add continuity choose a flooring material that is the same color as the walls.

Make Sure Your Walls Are Insulated

The basement is one of the most important areas of your home that needs insulation. Basement insulation controls the temperature and keeps the mold out. A bad smell can be a common problem for many people and this usually happens because basements have concrete walls, which absorb moisture and create that bad smell.

Insulation products are optional, but the investment is worth it. Make sure you invest in quality products for insulating the walls and ask for advice from a professional worker. Also, there is an important thing you should know about insulation: many people are using cheap products just because they think basements don’t need that much investment. Being located under the ground, they think they are more protected and sometimes, they start the insulation by themselves. In this case, consider that the insulation really needs to be done correctly, otherwise the space where the insulation touches the wall is empty, mold and moisture will install.

Consider the benefits of closed-cell foam to insulate concrete basement walls. It has excellent moisture resistance: it can fill in all the gaps and it gives you the best protection against mold. It is true that is a lot more expensive but you will save money on energy bills.

Create Storage Solutions

Even though your basement usually serves as a general storage area, you can give it a higher value by decorating it with shelves and furniture. This can help you hide all of your unwanted stuff.

If you use your basement properly, you can add that much-needed storage space to your home. If you have multiple storage boxes, label them so you can choose what you need easily. Walls with labeled baskets are great as well, especially for storing small items that you can’t place anywhere else.

Wine lovers can transform their basement space into a winery. Build a wine rack or buy one that comes in units, each storing more bottles. You can go up to the ceiling if needed.

Add Heating

Adding heat sources to your basement is necessary, but it may not be enough. If it is the only way of keeping your basement warm, unfortunately, this source of heating will be mostly wasted. The best way to add heat to your basement is to extend your heating system already supplying heat to the rest of your house. Click here for tips on how to improve your heating systems.

Insulating the basement walls and floor will help to hold in the heat, preventing its loss through the space that is not protected. Before installing any supplemental heat, make sure you seal all the gaps and insulated the walls that could cause heat loss. Also, you can install a floor heating system and add rugs for a warmer feeling.

You can locate cold spots with a thermal camera. It is highly recommendable to invest in this tool or just rent one from a tool rental center. With a thermal camera, you can view the areas where your energy losses are occurring. There is also a cheaper version available but requires more moving around the room to detect the spots where the energy is lost.

Don’t Forget About Art

The basement has limited natural light and it often needs more attention when it comes to decorating. For the way the basement will look is up to you, but it’s important for it to be consistent with the rest of the home décor and reflect your family vibe. Give the basement space a personal touch and attach family pictures on the wall or different art that you like.

Artwork is a perfect way to add personality to your basement and create that warm and cozy feeling. It is up to you how you want your personal magic space to look like. Choose abstract paintings and hang them on the walls for a realistic look. Take photographs of things that inspire you or bring your old magazines and photos and hang them above your desk. Hang things from the ceiling like sparkly Christmas ornaments, colored lights, your childhood’s favorite tiny stuffed animals or things that have a meaning to you.

Many artists find it hard to create their own little working corners. A negative and cramped space can affect your creativity and make you less productive. Having your own art studio can be inexpensive and easy to set up. Artificial light is important because it gives you control over your studio. It is best if the light comes from the ceiling because it will illuminate more of your work.

Exploring various basement decorating ideas isn’t that hard, so don’t let that space be occupied by loads of unnecessary stuff. You can spend quality time with friends and family in a space that you’d never thought you’d get to bring to life in such a stylish way. You really are a creative person, so be creative with your space too.

Tags: basement, contemporary, decor, design, DIY, energy efficiency, home improvement

3 Ways to Increase Your Property’s Appeal by Renovating Your Yard

November 11, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Homeownership is one of life’s greatest milestones, and owning a property is often one of the biggest financial investments we will make in our lifetimes.

Most people will pay a lot of attention to the interior spaces of their homes. Every year, millions of dollars are spent on interior design, home appliances, and features that add both conveniences and value to a property; but not enough people take the time to add some value to their gardens or yards.

Here in this quick guide, we are going to look at the three best ways to add some value and features to the outside of your home to make it one of the most desirable houses in the neighborhood and help you make a quick and profitable sale when the time comes to move on.

Use Decking to Take the Inside Outside

One of the most popular uses for a garden or yard is to use it as a cooking or dining area when the weather permits.

Having a space in your garden for dining is a great way to add value and character to a property and having a barbeque or outdoor oven nearby means you can take your mealtimes outside and enjoy good weather all day and into the night.

Use wooden decking to designate a dining space in your garden or yard, and give you a flat and even surface for a dining table or garden furniture. Decking can be incredibly good value and easy to install. Features like this are fun for you to use, and more than pay for themselves in property value.

Landscape Your Garden or Yard

You may well have a lovely garden on your property, but with a little extra work and investment, you can take a garden to the next level and give your home the ‘wow’ factor with a landscaped and themed garden or yard.

Giving a garden a theme can be a fantastic way to show off your outside space and give you more reasons to make better use of your garden or yard. A Hawaiian theme is a popular choice with a lot of homeowners as it is easy to achieve, uses hard-wearing and low-maintenance plants, and can incorporate desirable features like a hot tub or a fire pit.

Re-Lay Your Driveway

If you have a driveway in the front of your home, you have a great opportunity to increase your home’s ‘curb appeal’ by re-laying and recovering your driveway with a new surface that is easy to maintain.

Asphalt, or blacktop, has become the driveway covering of choice recently as it is inexpensive, quick to install, is easy to maintain and lasts a long time. At Richfield Blacktop, you can get a comprehensive planning service and a professionally laid surface for less than ever before. Having a blacktop surface also creates an opportunity to use your drive for sports like basketball and street hockey, which are popular with teenagers. You can even get ‘court markings’ painted on your asphalt, adding a feature to your home.

Our homes are one of our life’s biggest investments, and many of us will have our financial future tied closely to our home’s resale value. Small, high-value investments like these can make a huge and profitable difference to a home’s resale value, and our retirement.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, home improvement, landscaping, patio

A small guide to swimming pool styles

October 8, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Swimming pools, just like houses, come in all sizes and styles and you have a whole variety of models to satisfy your family with. There are lots of ideas worth trying, but finding the right one requires time and patience. Luckily for us, new technologies make it a lot easier to install and maintain a pool in your garden. If you’re planning your DIY small project there is no reason to waste your time and be unmotivated when you have so much information on how to start if you already established a budget by now. Be aware of your family needs and taste, and patiently plan your next move. A spacious landscape is essential when you decide to incorporate a swimming pool in your garden, so plan carefully. Here are a few options of plain ideas perfect not only for you two but also for the little ones:

The Average Rectangular Pool

The main purpose of having a pool in your backyard is to have fun and relax. This simple style with a symmetrical design and blue tiles is perfect for those who want to stress the importance of big spaces and important gatherings. Its concept is plain but satisfying when it comes to recreational purposes. The pluses this pool offers is that you could delight the small ones incorporating all sorts of fun ideas like tunnels, caves, crazy slides, ideal for all ages. The maintenance should not be a headache, especially with lots of necessary equipment and information at your disposal. You could pay a visit to the nearest store or do small Internet research where you’ll find plenty of helpful experts like 1st Direct Pools and lots of handy details to begin and maintain your small project.

The oval shaped pool

The oval-shaped pools maintain the cosy design and offer your back-yard a much-desired appearance. Its smooth appearance and the total lack of corners makes it ideal for late-night pool-parties and not only. Is one of the frequently used designs and the simplest choice for your garden. Thanks to it a plain style you’re allowed to decorate and designs its surroundings as you wish. You could use decorative pave stone with different patterns or build amazing travertine terraces to upgrade this beautiful place. With a bit of imagination and patience using colorful ambient lights and the right choice of plants to surround it, not only your pool but the entire garden can be entirely transformed according to your wish.

Above-ground Pool

Have always been a choice for starters. They have become more alluring in time for those who don’t have that much space available in their gardens. This style is more appealing for all types of family, are much easier to maintain when its design makes harder for natural debris to get into the pool. Its main advantage is portability, the above-ground pool is suitable for every type of land even on rocky terrains. Its shape should not impede if you wish to transform your backyard into a much-desired oasis.

The Lazy River

A charming addition to your backyard, the lazy river is ideal for people who are already bored with those plain pool ideas. Frequently seen in hotel resorts, at a high scale, the river shaped pool requires a lot of space but also can be incorporated and designed for private homes. Just imagine how many plants and decorative stones you could place along this river. Its design allows you to maintain a jungle-like aspect and play with a diversity of greenery. The lazy is one of the craziest and most wanted projects you could try in your backyard and you’ll never get bored with its complex design.

Weston Style

Ideal for couples this small oval-shaped pool offers a dramatic surrounding. Its originality consists of bluestone pavement presenting an oasis-like ambience. If possible, you can spice up its style using huge rocky stones and ferns to remind you of your last mountain trip. It requires simple maintenance, and the necessary equipment is to be found almost everywhere.

Lap pool

Perfectly designed for fitness and health purposes, this long and narrow pool has almost 45 feet in length. The lap pool has been first designed in a rectangle form by the ancient Greeks and Romans, for athletic purposes like nautical games or military exercise. They’ve gained popularity as residential terrains have become smaller. To maintain the heat in your pool during cold days and reduce the utility bills, a cover should be handy.

Natural pool

Ideal for those who love gardening this lake like style, allows you to set free your imagination stream and experiment with a variety of wild plants and moss. It can be designed in a rustic manner with waterfalls and boulders. Natural pool requires more attention especially when you have to maintain a wild aquatic landscape. This charming design is reinforced with polyethylene, so-called “regeneration zone” which functions as an organic cleaning zone. The aquatic landscape is given by the variety of wild pond plants and grass you choose to incorporate. Its maintenance could be difficult if you don’t have excellent gardening skills.

Garden Island

For those who want to maintain a tropical vibe in their backyard, this pool is brilliant. Undoubtedly, you could use a huge variety of tropical plants to decorate your island, like Anthurium, The Bird of Paradise, Ficus and Palm Trees. Tropical plants require plenty of sun and humidity, don’t forget to tend them correctly if you wish to maintain your tropical ambience. This is one of the most common styles of pools and building don’t require too much budget or time. The Island Pool can be built at any scale for any type of backyard and is enjoyable for every age. Your kids will love reaching and conquering the island every time they’ll get in the pool.

Finding the perfect swimming pool for your recreational space should not be a hassle, especially when you’ve already planned your projects and gathered what is necessary. It is an enjoyable process through which you can discover and apply your longings.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, home improvement, leasure, outdoor, patio, pool

DIY Projects You Don’t Need a Pro For

| Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

If you’re itching to fix up your home, but don’t have the cash to pay a professional to do the work for you, fortunately, there are many projects homeowners can do themselves to improve their home’s value, look, and functionality. Don’t be afraid to get creative and get your hands dirty – these DIY projects really don’t need a pro, just a little time and effort.

Backsplash

Professionals typically charge around $60 per hour for labor costs to install a new backsplash. Although they make look very difficult to install, any homeowner can do it themselves with a little research and a few tutorial videos. The only tools and materials you need are a level, tile cutter, spacers, adhesive, grout, and of course, the tile. Intricate tiling or mosaics come with a mesh backing for easy installation, so don’t let the beautiful detailing scare you.

Outdoor Fire Pit

If you own Raleigh real estate, you might want to enjoy some evenings outdoors in the warm summer season. An outdoor fire pit is one of the easiest projects to do yourself and a fairly inexpensive way to add a spot for outdoor entertainment.

You can purchase cement pavers from any major home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowes. Before you buy spend some time thinking about how large and how tall you want your fire pit to be. You might even try playing around with them at the store to get a better idea of how it might look. Once you’re home, you can wrap them around an old barbeque ring or place them freestanding. Small square pavers can be used for the bottom or flooring of the pit or you can use gravel or rock. Sand, cement, or mortar can help to fill in any gaps.

Refinish Wood Floors

If you have nice wood floors under those dirty carpets, it’s time to rip those old carpets out and refinish the beautiful wood underneath. While carpeting is preferred by most homeowners in the bedrooms, the look of wood floors in common areas is a popular trend. It’s rather simple to refinish them, too. Start by renting a walk-behind sander from your hardware or home improvement store – the type of sandpaper depends on the finish you currently have. Thick finishes or painted floors initially require coarse sandpaper. Every floor should be followed with a medium and fine paper to achieve a smooth finish; be sure to thoroughly clean up the dust with a vacuum and tack cloth. Next, choose between three finishes: polyurethane, varnish, or a penetrating sealer. Each has its own distinct look and various durability. Follow the instructions closely on the finish you choose.

Tags: backyard, bathroom, cabinet ideas, cabinets, ceramic tile, contemporary, countertops, deck, flooring, home improvement, kitchen

12 Tips for Choosing the Right Plumbing Service

September 17, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

When a plumbing crisis strikes, it’s easy to go into panic mode and call the first plumbing company you find, but this isn’t always the best course of action. Hiring a plumber is often a costly ordeal on its own, so the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected issue in the future due to a poor repair job.

This is why it’s important to choose the right plumber. Not only will you benefit from a faster and more affordable job, but also one that will prevent further plumbing issues from happening a few months down the line. Another concern is the wellbeing and security of your family, which is something you can’t put a price on.

So, the next time your dog is swimming in the bathroom or your sink is spurting like a spring, here are 12 tips that’ll help you choose the right plumbing service.

Experience

Naturally, a plumbing company that has been around for a few years will be able to provide a much higher quality service than one that was only recently established. While it’s true that every company has to start somewhere, a more established plumber has already learned from the mistakes that an inexperienced plumber might make on your home.

Plumbing License

Confirm that the plumber you choose has valid licenses. This is required by all local authorities and states, so no plumbing service worth your money should be without one. If they don’t have a license, chances are there’s a good reason for it and you should look elsewhere.

Insurance

In a similar light, a good plumber is wise enough to take the necessary precautions in their work and insure themselves for general liability. This can also include workman’s compensation insurance, which protects the workers handling your plumbing. A good plumbing service will be able to provide evidence of their insurance or bonding upon request.

Website

These days, a website serves as the most common point of contact between a business and its potential customers. Therefore, a good plumbing service will have a well-designed website that adequately details their services. Their website should include information about their hours, areas of service, and contact details.

Additionally, a good plumbing service might be one that goes the extra mile and offers additional content on their website. This can include a blog where they provide advice on plumbing issues or a live support center that you can contact in emergencies. These elements serve as indicators of how much a company cares for its customers.

Warranties

Reputable plumbing companies trust their workers to provide good service and their suppliers to provide high-quality products and tools. Therefore, a good plumbing company should have a warranty on the labor and products they offer. Be sure to also check whether they have a satisfaction guarantee with respect to customer service.

Customer Treatment

The way a company handles their calls and inquiries is telling of their workplace culture and how they treat their customers. A good plumbing company will answer your call in a warm, friendly manner and provide a helpful service throughout the conversation. Their behavior will extend to when they visit your home, so be sure to keep it in mind.

Transparency

Nobody likes a company that sneaks in additional fees and charges that you weren’t informed about. A reliable plumber will be transparent about exactly how much you’ll pay for their services. Avoid working with a company that isn’t willing to provide an upfront quote for fixing your plumbing problems.

Online Reviews

In this day and age, any company that is proud of its services will have a position on review websites such as Yelp and Google My Business. They should also have social media accounts where they interact with customers and follow up on reviews. A plumbing service with a load of unhappy customers and one-star reviews should probably be avoided.

References

In addition to online reviews, a good plumbing company should be able to provide a list of references. You can follow up on these references to firstly, see if they’re legitimate and secondly, to get an idea of what it’s like to work with the plumbing service in question. If they refuse to provide any references at all, look elsewhere.

Location

While not necessarily telling of the quality of their service, it would be easier to deal with a company that is located in your local area. This way, you can visit their office and get an idea of how they operate. It also makes it easier to receive a fast response in the event of a plumbing emergency in the future.

Credentials

There are three main types of credentials that a plumber can have. This includes the following:

Apprentice: An apprentice is a plumber who works alongside journeymen or master plumbers to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills required to become a qualified plumber. They usually participate in classroom instruction and paid practical work.

Journeyman: After passing training, an apprentice graduates to a journeyman and earns a license from their local state. Most don’t have established companies but can handle the majority of plumbing work.

Master Plumber: If you find a master plumber, chances are they’re the best in your area. Master plumbers have associates degrees and have tons of experience.

Additional Services

Some companies offer additional services to their customers for added value. For instance, this company offers a Home Service Back Office, which allows plumbing and home service businesses to outsource their customer support operations. If you’re interested in starting your own plumbing or home service business, this will serve as a great addition to your company.

Look out for plumbers that offer additional services like these, as it shows that they’re willing to go the extra mile to stand out from their competitors.

Conclusion

By factoring in their experience, reputation, transparency, customer service and credentials, you’ll be able to find the right plumber for your needs and have a reliable company to call in emergencies. Taking the time to do your research will inevitably pay off in the future, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

Tags: bathroom, bathroom remodeling, contemporary, faucet, home improvement, leaking faucet, plumbing

Everything You Need To Know Before You Switch To Solar

September 13, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

There is a definite drive from homeowners to integrate more efficient upgrades into their homes. One of the most popular home additions has been to mount solar panel arrays on the roof to help owners go off the grid.

The trend toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible lifestyle has pushed the popularity behind making your home solar sufficient. Not only can you save a bunch of money on your energy bills, but you can also drastically reduce your carbon footprint when you decide to go solar.

Before you make the switch, there are a few things that you should consider, including getting a new Allstate Home Insurance quote to accommodate your updates. Switching over to solar is not as simple as just mounting some solar panels. Here’s what you will need to know before making the decision to run your home using solar power.

Incentives

One of the largest driving forces behind the solar trend is money savings. Once you get past the initial investment, which can be large, you can enjoy lifelong savings and even make some money back. The great thing about this initiative is that you could even get help footing the installation bill for your solar system.

Check with your municipality and talk to your accountant about available grants or tax breaks for adding solar that you can take advantage of. Making updates to your home to convert it into a more eco-friendly dwelling can actually make you money in incentives.

Warranties

Each solar dealer will have their own guarantees to cover the installation process, but it’s important to understand exactly what their warranties will cover. You don’t want to get stuck with panels that are only warrantied by the manufacturer. Standard warranties should cover your panels for up to 25 years and your inverter for up to 10 years.

Property Value Boost

If you still need more convincing that going solar is right for you, you should know that converting and adding a solar array can increase the market value of your home. Projects like adding solar, a kitchen remodel or developing a home heat recovery system are among the most popular home updates.

Along with saving money on your energy bills, you can expect an increase of up to 4% on your home’s value. This can make for an impressive return on your investment.

Inverters

When you are shopping for the elements of your solar power system you will need to choose an inverter that is best for your array. There are two different kinds of inverters; central or micro. A central inverter will be wired to draw in power from all of your panels at the same time. Microinverters are attached to each individual solar panel.

Size

The most common question that dealers get from homeowners is, “How many panels will I need to run my whole house?”. There are too many variables to answer this question to suit everyone. The number of panels that you will need will depend on the square footage of your home, how solar reliant you want to be and the wattage of your panels.

Any easy way to estimate how many solar panels you will need for your home is to follow this formula. Take your hourly household energy needs and multiply it by the number of hours of prime sunlight that you will get. Then take that number and divide it by the panel wattage.

# hourly energy needs X Peak sunlight hours

Panel Wattage

Conclusion

If you are interested in creating a more self-sufficient and greener home by adding solar, make sure to do your homework before you invest. Get help with funding, learn about the equipment and increase the value of your home with a solar power renovation.

Tags: average cost, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, roofing, roofing materials

5 Home Improvements for Families with Children

September 11, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

When you have children, change is to be expected. Not only do you have to adjust your life so it works around your children, but you will also have to adjust your home. When you make changes to your home, you need to make sure you choose wisely. Wrong decisions can reduce the value of your property and can end up costing you a lot more money than the improvement was worth, but when something is done right, not only will your property go up in value, but your family will be happier for it. To help you make the right decision, here are five home improvements you should consider if you have children.

Convert Rooms

Reinventing a room can increase the value of your home as well as make your life easier. You can convert spaces that aren’t being used, such as a garage, basement or attic space, into something that could be used. You could change them into an extra bedroom, a second living room, a games room or a room that can be used by your child if they have a particular hobby they want to excel in, such as music, craft or exercise.

Consider a Playroom

A playroom is another good idea if you have the space and they have many benefits. This can keep the rest of your house tidy and in good condition because your children will have their own area where they can play and make a mess. If you decide to move home, this feature would appeal to buyers who have or plan to start a family.

Add an Outdoor Play Area

Exercise and fresh air are essential for child development. If you have a good-sized back or front yard, then installing an outdoor play area for your children is a great way to ensure they get outside, and it will be a safe area for them to do so. If you don’t have the time or skill to create your own outdoor play area, you should contact KG Landscape to help you create a safe, fenced play area.

Increase Storage

Nowadays, people like a minimalist look when it comes to their homes. This can be a hard thing to achieve when you have children, but it isn’t impossible. Making alterations that increase the amount of storage your home has will increase the value of your property and will make it look neat, tidy, and modern while you live there. It can also make your home safer, especially if you have young, curious toddlers walking about.

Improve Your Home’s Efficiency

There is no denying that children are expensive, so making changes that help to save you money as well as increase the value of your property whilst helping the environment are always great ideas. One of these changes would be to improve how energy efficient your home is. You can do this by adding installation, adding renewable energy sources, and installing double glazed windows. These are just a handful of things you can do.

To summarize, when you decide to make changes to your family home, space, efficiency, and usefulness are the key things you need to consider. If the alterations will help you, then there is a high chance it would help someone else, which leads to a rise in property price.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, landscaping

Chic Outdoor Spaces With Pergolas

July 25, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Entertaining at home is often done outdoors, on the patio, deck, verandah or in the garden. Lush greenery, floral scents, stone paving and well thought out garden beds all inspire serene feelings of calmness and joy.

Even you are an avid gardener, you have spent many happy hours outside either tending to your garden or just relaxing in the sun or breeze. If you enjoy being outdoors, perhaps now is the time to transform your piece of green heaven and introduce some new and exciting features to use outside. Think pergola.

Perfect Pergolas

The quickest and easiest way to transform your outdoor space is by placing a pergola outside. There are so many ways to use these structures, you will never be stuck for pergola ideas.

Pergolas come in a variety of makes. You can opt for the traditional timber pergolas, composite, steel frames or a combination. Add vinyl, cloth or shutters on the top and your pergola can take on many functions.

Pergolas give the sense of incorporating an extra room to an area because of the pillars and roof which mimic a room. This makes a pergola the perfect outdoor addition which will not only delight homeowners but adds value to the property.

Function And Form

Whether you want a practical outside dining area, seating area or relaxing area, you can achieve any look and feel with a pergola.

Warm winter evenings outside with a fireplace and blanket might be your taste or a functional dining area in spring where everyone can sit outside comfortably. Add a bar for that instant poolside feeling.

Perhaps you desire privacy and would like your outdoor spa to be covered, or a quiet place to lie outside and read in the hazy summer days. All these functions can be achieved by using a pergola.

Adding color and accessories to your pergola area is easy when you have decided on what the look and feel of your space should entail. Keeping it classy and chic is just as easy if you plan the accessories properly. Look for weather-resistant or outdoor pieces that will be easy to maintain and move around.

The great thing about having a pergola is that when you decide to update or refresh the look and design of your outdoor space, you simply bring in new elements to make the change. Remember less is more, a cluttered outdoor space is not a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Simply Add Furniture Or Plants

Attaining chic looks under your pergola can be done in so many ways. The best way to add flair and functionality to your pergola is to add furniture.

Do you want a seated area? Add weather-resistant outdoor furniture and pillows. Include small side tables and an ottoman or two to entice relaxing family gatherings outside. If your pergola is poolside, add sun loungers and potted plants with a side table or two.

If you prefer your pergola be a simple extension of your garden added creepers or plants in pots to grow against the pillars and over the roof. Perhaps you can grow a grapevine and add two chairs and a table for intimate Italy like dinners by candlelight.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, fence, home improvement, landscaping, patio

Stamped Concrete: Why Is It the Most Popular Material For Driveways?

July 24, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

There are a number of routes you can take when choosing the right material for your driveway. If you’re confused about making the right choice, you can take the route most people take and choose the most popular material for driveways – stamped concrete. You don’t have to take our word for it, ask popular contractors like https://www.kansascityconcreteartisans.com/ about the most popular driveways people want and we’re sure you’ll get the same answer.

Why it is so popular and the various designs and styles you can get with stamped concrete will all be broken down in this handy guide to understanding why stamped concrete is such a popular choice for driveways and why you should take the leap.

Why is it so popular? The advantages of stamped concrete

There are various reasons why stamped concrete is a great choice for your driveways, and knowing all of them can help you understand why it is such a popular choice.

Durability

There is nothing quite like concrete. And by that, we mean that when it comes to sheer strength and resistance, concrete is king. For a driveway, it is important that the material used is able to hold up against things like weather, weight, spills, grease stains, and track marks.

On all those things, concrete ranks high. It holds up well against sun exposure and rain and is stain-resistant against most things. You also don’t have to worry about concrete driveways cracking under the weight of numerous cars.

Longevity

It can be a real pain to both your time and your wallet to have to constantly think about replacing and redoing your driveway over the years you’ll live in your home.

With this in mind, it is important for your driveways to have good longevity to make sure they will hold up for many years to come. Stamped concrete driveways are able to last a long time because concrete is a durable material that does not need constant maintenance. With proper care, it can last for up to 40 years.

Furthermore, you can be assured that the design imprinted on the stamped driveway will remain there and not fade away over time.

Cost

Compared to other driveway materials, concrete comes at an affordable and cost-effective rate. It is a widely available material that has a speedy installation period which helps keep the cost of it low.

And when you add a stamped design to the mix of things, the cost does not dramatically increase. Because it is a process that is neither labor-intensive nor timely, stamping concrete can be done in a single day depending on the size of your concrete.

Customizability

More than anything, the customizability of concrete elevates it from the rest of the flooring materials on the market. Concrete has the ability to be personally stamped and customized according to your wishes.

This means that for houses with unique layouts and decorations, stamped concrete driveways offer a way to customize your driveways according to what looks best with your home.

Value

Stamped concrete driveways are highly attractive features for a home that can increase the overall value of your home. Not only does it look expensive and attractive, but buyers will know that a concrete driveway is a good investment for a home that will last a long time.

The many design options for stamped concrete driveways

Driveways don’t have to look boring or standard at all, and they especially don’t have to when you choose to have concrete driveways. Stamped concrete is an option for everyone that can deliver unique design options, like:

Border designs

If you’re hesitant to stamp the entire driveway with a pattern or design, you can get a very attractive appearance for your driveways by stamping only a portion of the area, more commonly the border of the driveway. With this technique, you choose a design for the border of the driveway like a geometric pattern or a faux stone and either apply a simpler pattern to the middle or keep it completely plain. The contrast between the border and the middle of the driveway will look elegant and not overly done.

Faux stone designs

Stamped concrete is capable of mimicking other flooring materials for driveways, such as stone. If you want the aesthetic value of stones like slate and cobblestone but the durability, cost, and longevity of concrete, stamped concrete is capable of delivering that. For faux stone designs, you can have them laid out straight or patterned in a fan effect for a more stylish stamping.

Unique patterns and designs

If you’re interested in stamped concrete driveways for its versatility, you may be interested in getting more unique designs on your driveway. For example, you may be more inclined to get a large-scale pattern or a large design like a specific image like a sunburst or compass. This can likewise be done with concrete stamping.

Brick patterns

If you love the look a brick driveway but are concerned about its cost and need for constant maintenance, you can achieve a “brick” driveway with stamped concrete. Choose the kind of brick you want to emulate for your driveway and leave the rest to your contractor to get the best results possible.

Tags: concrete tiles, contemporary, flooring, home improvement, landscaping, patio

Wood vs Vinyl Fencing: Which Option is the Best for Your House?

July 8, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

For better or for worse, your fencing will have a huge influence on how your place feels and looks. While for some, utility will be the most important factor, for others, they might prefer something that complements their house first. Factors such as climate and cost also have to be considered as well. This is why the question of which material should be used can be a tricky one. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular options, vinyl and wood, and the pros and cons of each to see which option would be the best for your needs.

Wood: The Pros

One of the best things about wood fences is the way they look. Some people just love the whole white picket fence aesthetic, and stained wood can give a rustic feel to any backyard. So, if your first goal is for it to look good, then wood is a sure bet. Wood is also one of these materials you can work with even if you’re not a professional, so it’s a good pick for those DIYers out there. Wood also gives you a wide array of colors and finishes based on the staining and the wood you pick.

Wood: The Cons

Wood fences demand a lot of maintenance. And they’re not the best suited for every climate. You have to work on them every year so they can keep their appearance, whether its repainting or treating them. They’re also vulnerable to things like insects, especially termites. And they have a tendency to warp as well, especially when they haven’t been properly treated.

Vinyl: The Pros

Vinyl is one of the most low maintenance materials you can use as far as fencing goes. And it comes in a wide variety of styles, textures, and shades as well. While you can install it yourself, it’s always better to work with professional fitters. Teams like Northland Fence will be able to set up your vinyl fence in as little as a day and all their vinyl fences come with a lifetime warranty on the material. Good luck finding that with wood.

Vinyl: The Cons

One of the issues with vinyl fencing is that it’s slightly more expensive upfront than wood. But you end up recuperating these costs with lower maintenance and higher durability. Another issue with vinyl is that repairs are a bit more complicated, but since it’s so durable, it doesn’t require repairs as much as wood.

The Verdict

At the end of the day, it’s all about your priorities and what you need in a fence. If you want something that will last a long time and require little to no maintenance, go for vinyl. If your main priority is the look and you don’t mind having to maintain it every year and replace it at the end of its lifespan, then wood might be the choice for you.

Conclusion

Whatever choice you pick, make sure that you consider how much time and money you can afford to spend on your fence. Also, consider if your climate or even the general look in your area would make either option more suitable.

Tags: fence, home improvement, landscaping, vinyl, wood

5 Tips to a Greener Home

| Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Every homeowner wants the best for their family. From cozy living rooms to serene bathrooms, we all want to improve the way we live by considering home improvement projects that help us achieve a more appealing home.

But when it comes to making a home that’s safe and healthy, we will have to look for green solutions. After all, this is the first step to achieving a healthier home.

Let’s check out a few important tips to a greener home.

Ditch commercial materials

Whether you’re mopping up the living room floor or repainting the exterior walls of your home, the materials you use may contain chemicals that not only pollute the air but also cause a wide range of health conditions on your family. You may need to update your shopping list and get rid of brands that are known to contain high traces of cancer-causing chemicals such as glycol and benzene.

If you’re making a change for the better, you might as well look online for shops selling organic materials for your next home improvement project.

Think of a redesign

Often the best way to build a green home is to start from scratch. Fortunately, if you’re planning to settle in a home that’s both functional and eco-friendly, there are local builders who can help you along those lines.

If you live in Baltimore, you’ll find Maryland home builders who can provide custom designs that help reduce your carbon footprint. But if you already have a home, you can always opt for a redesign by using proper insulation, as well as materials and concepts that allow for better cooling and heating.

Upgrade your lighting

If there’s anything that passes as an eco-friendly solution, changing your light bulbs will do the trick. Especially if it has been a while since you last upgraded your lighting, swapping your bulbs with LEDs will really keep your energy consumption low along with your power bills.

Prepare a compost pit

Managing a garden is tough work, but choosing a safe alternative to commercial fertilizers has to be tougher. Sure enough, familiar fertilizer brands could be more acidic and, in effect, harmful to your plants.

Commercial fertilizer might give your garden the lushness it needs, but when it comes to keeping the soil healthy, preparing your own compost using kitchen scraps has to be the better option. It’s organic and it won’t pollute the ground much as synthetic fertilizers do.

Improve your insulation

Whether there’s a blizzard or a heatwave, the thermostat has to be your best bet in keeping your home’s temperature well-regulated. Then again, you will have to pay a price for keeping your home well heated or cooled during extreme weather. By keeping your home well-insulated, you won’t have to set the thermostat high or low.

A greener home is possible, so long as you use the right approach. That way, you won’t have to worry about putting your family’s health and safety at risk.

Tags: backyard, bathroom, bathroom remodeling, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement

Eclectic and Awe-Inspiring Design Ideas to Spice Up Your Home

March 21, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY

Your home design is all about you, your partner and your family. Every element present at home reflects a certain aspect of life. The colors painted all over the walls remind you of peace and serenity. The decor beautifying the walls project decision-making and artistic skills. The materials used inside and outside the house, from flooring to roofing, display style and preferences. Spacing and arrangement either defies customs or depicts centuries-old traditions and beliefs.

When buying a new home, building one or making a facelift, you want to be immersed in the process, from planning the details to the finishing touches. After all, the house is your safe haven for years or even for a lifetime. It is a pleasure to flip through the color palette, the portfolio of home decor and the gallery of design ideas you want your eyes to scour. It is also no wonder if you have been making sketches or notes with design ideas for the kitchen, living room, master bedroom or even the garage.

To help you out, we have compiled a list of unique bits of design that may seem bizarre but are actually awe-inspiring ideas that will make your house stand out from the rest.

Pendant Lighting

More and more restaurants, especially intimate ones, are now adorned with pendant lighting that hangs just slightly over the heads of guests. From a style perspective, pendant lighting offers a great addition to your home. But it provides more than just a decorative accent. It also plays a major role in terms of highlighting a room, adding a different glow while incorporating a decorative style.

Now, how do you plan on adding pendant lights at home? You can try hanging them to illuminate your entryway, a kitchen counter or dining table. Although the lights are usually close, you may also opt for a design that spreads all throughout the space you want to brighten up, like a dining table with a large seating capacity.

Natural Lighting and Ventilation

Sustainability solutions start at home. Measures to lower consumption of energy and water do not just lead to lesser utility bills but also contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from using less electricity and water, you can incorporate sustainability measures in your building design.

This means you will need less light during the day and nature’s fresh breeze will surround your home, instead of turning on air conditioning for cooling the house. Ask your home renovations and remodeling service provider or a local Excel Builders to craft a design that allows natural lighting and ventilation to come inside the house.

Big Plants

Desert plants are the usual staple for decor inside the house. But it is 2019, and trends change over time. Small plants, flowering or non-flowering, are also attractive. Nowadays, big plants are eye-catching accessories that can attract attention. Before you purchase bold plants, you need to know the relevant information such as water and sunlight requirements to keep plants healthy and green.

Floral Patterns

While people live in a modern world, everybody loves a design redux for styles that were trendy in the past. In 2019, floral patterns have risen to the occasion. You might think the floral pattern thrived during your grandma’s adolescent period. Well, yes indeed. But filling your home with floral design may be a better replacement for bland or flashy colors that dominated the previous years.

Fortunately, floral print today is redesigned with contemporary lines and is much bolder than in years past. There is a list of fresh design for your floral patterns, from orchids to cherry blossoms, to give your room an updated look.

Multi-Functional Space

Whether you’re limiting furniture to save space or just practicing less is more through minimalism, a multi-functional space can work wonders at home. You can remodel existing furniture pieces or purchase new ones that offer more than just one function, such as a bed with pull-out drawers or ottomans with added storage.

You can also design two or more rooms in one space, such as an office space in a living room or transforming kitchen counters into a workstation. Success in multi-functional space depends on layout. The design should manifest proper balance between two or more functions, and clearly indicate the division between spaces.

Bar Area

You, your partner, friends and family members can enjoy the spirits and entertainment at your home by putting up a bar. You can display your prized wines, tequila and other liquor you want to enjoy. Hang those wine glasses, put in the rotating stools and roll out those barrels to start partying without going outside.

With a bar area, it’s easy for guests to get cold drinks while the party is hot on the dance floor. The bar does not have to be limited to drinking alcoholic beverages alone. You can also have your morning coffee, brew a late-night tea or whip up a smoothie at the bar.

Biophilia

It is now that we are seeing more and more people that are interacting with nature. By installing sustainable solutions at home or in the office, everyone is more involved today than on previous years when it comes to getting closer with nature. At home, people create gardens to commune with the environment. Now though, design has brought nature closer to you through biophilia. A biophilic setting expands beyond houseplants or floral patterns. It has design and decor that bring the sight, sound and smell of nature indoors.

So, how do you create this biophilia? For one, work with water. The sound of flowing water not only relaxes our senses, it also blocks noises caused by street sounds. Another element is to breathe in the fragrant scent of nature with aromatic candles or essential oils. Aim to create a space devoid of gadgets, equipment and screens. A biophilic setting wants us to awaken our senses and technology works against it. Just have a corner where distractions are absent.

There is a Santa Claus list of eclectic home design ideas you can experiment in your new dwelling or for an upcoming renovation. As long as it speaks to your style, character and beliefs, you can never be wrong with your choices.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, landscaping, lighting

3 Tips to Keep in Mind While Putting Up a Fence On Your Own

| Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Installing a new fence can be a demanding DIY project if the area to be surrounded is large enough, but it isn’t the most difficult project that you can undertake either. That being said, mistakes are quite common and, therefore, in case you have any plans to set up a few fences on your own anytime soon, it’s worth it to glance over these three tips that even experienced DIY enthusiasts can find useful at times.

Asking the All-Important Questions

Before you even start planning your fence installation project, it is of the utmost importance to ask yourself and your family a few questions first, and they should be along the lines of the following.

What is the primary objective behind the installation of the fence?
Is privacy more important to you or does security take precedence?
How much are you really willing to or can afford to spend on your fencing project?
What are the choices in material that you have?
How much maintenance will your new fencing require and how much will that cost you?

To illustrate why all these questions are so important, let’s get to the next tip.

Understand What Your New Fencing Will Bring With It

Steel fences last for decades. In fact, the steel fencing from Northland Fence comes with a warranty of two decades! It will remain unhindered by the weather conditions as neither the sun nor the frost will be able to even scratch your steel fencing for years. While the durability of steel also makes it an excellent material of choice when security is your priority, it will not provide you with any privacy at all. When privacy is more important, then go for vinyl fencing instead of steel. Northland Fence has consciously switched over from cedar wood to vinyl because the material lasts longer than wood and provides better security than wood as well. As far as the looks are concerned, vinyl fencing can be made to look exactly like cedar, so you won’t have to sacrifice on décor. Besides, to make wooden fences last, it does require a lot of maintenance.

Checking with the Local Zoning Laws

There are limitations, rules, and regulations, alongside must-have safety precautions that every household in a US state must adhere to while putting up any kind of fencing. For example, in order to put up any fences in Minnesota that are more than 30-inches in height, you will require a building permit that will only be granted on producing a satisfactory site plan. These laws change with the state in question, so do make sure you are thorough with your understanding of what you can and can’t do in your area.

Given the time, effort, and knowledge of fine details it requires, it is recommended that you leave any big fencing project to the professionals, as they deal with them regularly and are well aware of them. Nevertheless, if you want to do it all on your own, at least now you are a bit wiser than before!

Tags: backyard, fence, home improvement, wood